Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1220268
1 integration has been also known for a few years now. However, Borsuk IFV in a non-amphibious version will most probably become the Polish tracked carrier for the RAK turret system, as the logic seems to dictate, due to the required unification of equipment in the mechanized battalions. At the moment only wheeled version of RAK is in production using the modified Rosomak APC as its carrier. The APC has lost the amphibious capability. It features a reinforced suspension and conventional layout, with control compartment in the front left and powerpack compartment in the front right part of the hull. Central and rear part accommodate the combat compartment. The hull is welded out of armored plates, it forms a shell around the systems it houses. It is installed on a suspension support element that also supports the steering system components, as well as the main gearboxes, suspension and other vital components of the ve- hicle. This provides high mine/IED protection levels, as the vehicle may withstand explosion of 6 kg of explosives detonated underneath the whole carrier (STANAG 4569/B Level 3). The hull structure offers protection level tantamount to the one associated with the turret. Deugra fire and explosion protection system, heating, A/C and air filtering systems, NBC protection system with automated Cherdes contamination detector and UOW Pandora eye protection system can be listed among additional safe- ty features of the vehicle that altogether further enhance the crew protec- tion levels. Scania D1 12 56A03PE engine is the core of the powerpack that has been fitted onto the vehicle. Its maximum power is 360 kW (480 HP) at 2100 RPM. In the peacetime the power output is limited to 294 kW (400 HP). Maximum torque is, respectively, 1970 Nm and 1688 Nm. The engine, along with the cooling system, form a powerpack with ZF 7HP 902 S automatic gearbox, with 7 gears and a single reverse gear. The power is transferred to all wheels, whereas the differential allows for variable speed between the two front and two rear axles. The suspension is independent for each of the wheels. Two front axles are tied to the steering system that features a mechanical steering gearbox with hydraulic power steering and a double turning mechanism. The wheels have been coupled with a central air compressor and run flat tires. The combat compartment is housing the turret basket. The rear portion of the vehicle features the loader's station (on the right), ammunition shelf housing 26 rounds and a mortar bombs handling station underneath. User comfort and efficient A/C/filtering solu- tion shall be emphasized again. RAK AS A PART OF A SYSTEM One should stress that no weapons system can work alone, without support vehicles and assets. An efficient system boosts the potential of the given platform also making it easier to employ it on the battlefield. Noteworthy, a system as such has been established around the Rak mor- tar, it is hence known as a "fire module". The system in question consists of the following elements: • AWD support-company commander command vehicle. • AWD support-company deputy commander vehicle. • Reconnaissance platoon using two AWR artillery reconnaissance vehicles. • Two fire platoons using 4 SMK Rak (M120K) self-propelled mortar each, with a single AWD platform in each platoon. • Three AWA ammunition carriers. • AWRU artillery armament repair vehicle. • Support vehicle (to be designed). AWDs are based on the Rosomak APC. Their task is to control the en- gagements and prepare them, establish command posts, acquire data on firing conditions and intel required to effectively engage the targets. They only feature UKM-2000 machine gun as means of self-defense, mount- ed within an armored rotating base. The specialist equipment includes DD9620 command system terminals, MK16 computer module terminals, RH5800H and RRC9311AP radio terminals, Fonet intercom, TALIN 5000 navigation system and navigation receiver. Artillery reconnaissance vehicles use the Żubr 4x4 vehicle as the base platform. They are tasked with providing optoelectronic ground intel and they also act as artillery controller platform. Should a need arise they VEHICLES